M+O 9 - TMDs Flashcards
What are temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)?
a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and/or the muscles of mastication
What is the prevalence of TMD?
10-15% of population
Are TMD more common in males or females?
F>M
When is the peak incidence age range for TMD?
18-44 years old
What is the aetiology of TMD?
multifactorial:
- biological
- psychological
- behaviour
biopsychosocial
What underpins the way in which we understand and manage TMD?
the biopsychosocial model of pain
When taking a TMD history, what needs to be asked about?
- pain
- noises
- movement
- habits
- trauma
- co-morbidities
What needs to be asked about ‘pain’ during history taking?
- character
- site : jaw, ear, in front of ear, temple
- affected by: jaw movement, function, parafunction
When might patients experiment TMD pain?
Some patients may be pain free apart from in function, other patients may experience persistent background aching pain/soreness which is exacerbated in function.
Less commonly patients may experience a sharp short-lived pain on jaw movement
Where may the pain in TMD be located?
Depending on whether the joint, muscles or both are involved, the pain may be localised to area of TMJ radiating up to the temple and down along the lower jaw and along the maxilla from this site, or may be more focused in the region of the temporalis and/or masseter muscle
When would be normally expect TMD pain to be exacerbated?
- on eating (particularly foods that are hard, crunchy or chewy)
- on attempted wide mouth opening
- also likely to be exacerbated by habits such as chewing gum or grinding/clenching of the teeth
What needs to be covered about ‘noises’ during history taking?
- type of noise heard
- on jaw movement?
- in past 30 days?: would normally expect patient to have experienced them in the 30 days prior to the appointment
- any previous noises which have now ceased
What noises are usually indicative of a disc displacement?
clicking, snapping, or popping sensation
What is crepitus indicative of?
degenerative changes affecting the TMJ
Why is it significant if the patient has a history of previous clicking which has now stopped?
if the clicking has stopped and left the patient with restricted mouth opening, this can indicate an anterior disc displacement without reduction
What needs to be asked about ‘movement’ during history taking?
- restricted opening
- interfering with ability to eat?
- locking - intermittent/persistent; closed; open; able to release with manoeuvre?
- deviation
What does deviation of the jaw to one side usually indicate?
usually an indication that the side to which the mandible is deviating, the condyle is rotating but not translating, so movement is restricted on the side to which the jaw deviates
- Particularly mentioned when it interferes with eating
What is an open lock?
condyle lies anterior to the articular eminence, rarely able to be released by manoeuvre (like in a dislocated jaw)
What do you need to ask about ‘habits’ during history taking?
- clenching
- grinding
- chewing or biting habits
- musical instruments
- singing
What do you need to ask about ‘trauma’ during history taking?
past history
What are the ‘co-morbidities’ to ask about during history taking?
- fibromyalgia
- chronic pain
- psychological factors
What psychological factors may play a role in TMD?
- stress, anxiety, depression
- pain may be exacerbated in times of stress, may be associated with para function all habits like tooth clenching or grinding
What do you need to assess during a TMJ examination?
- palpation of TMJ
- palpation of muscles
- mouth opening
- intra-oral soft tissues
What do you need to do during palpation of lateral pole of TMJ?
- stand behind patient, locate TMJ, ask patient to open and close mouth
- place fingers direct over the joint and apply gentle pressure to one side and then the other, asking the patient if there’s any pain or tenderness
- ask the patient to open and close their mouth three times
During palpation of TMJ what should you be asking the patient to report?
- any pain or discomfort they experience
- is it the pain they normally experience?
- any noises (these may also be audible to you)
What movements should you get the patient to do 3 repositions of during palpation of TMJ?
- opening
- closing
- lateral
- protrusive
What muscles should be palpated during TMD exam?
temporalis and masseter
What should you be asking the patient to report during palpation of muscles?
does the palpation elicit the patient’s familiar pain?
How do you palpate the temporalis?
- palpate when teeth clenched
- above the ear and forwards above the eye
- palpate each side in turn
How do you palpate the masseter?
- biannual palpation
- two fingers inside patient’s cheek, two fingers outside the patient’s cheek
- ask patient to clench teeth together to make sure you’ve located the masseter muscle accurately
- ask patient to open their mouth slightly to relax the muscle and then palpate at origin, midpoint and insertion
- while palpating, ask patient to tell you where they experience pain, and if it is their familiar pain
What should you assess about mouth opening during TMD examination?
- deviation on opening
- extent of opening - unassisted and assisted